Dr. William John Russell Turk – Ophthalmologist | Calgary, AB

Dr. William John Russell Turk is a dedicated Ophthalmologist, committed to providing exceptional medical and surgical eye care to patients of all ages. Practicing at a specialized eye clinic in Calgary in Calgary, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized eye care in the community. The clinic adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and personalized treatment. As an Ophthalmologist, he offers a full spectrum of services from routine eye examinations and vision correction to the management of complex eye diseases and surgical interventions. The practice provides a full spectrum of eye care services, from routine vision checks to advanced surgical procedures, in a patient-friendly setting.

Dr. Turk graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Manitoba in 2014. He is an experienced Ophthalmologist with extensive postgraduate training, having completed rigorous residency and fellowship programs in ophthalmology. He holds the necessary certifications to practice as an Ophthalmologist in Alberta, including certification from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA). His training and credentials ensure that he is well-versed in the latest techniques and standards in eye care, providing his patients with expert diagnosis and treatment.

His professional philosophy centers on preserving and improving vision through compassionate, state-of-the-art eye care. Dr. Turk is committed to educating his patients about their eye health and involving them in treatment decisions. He utilizes advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies to ensure precise and effective treatments. With a focus on early detection and management of eye diseases, he aims to prevent vision loss and optimize visual outcomes. His approach emphasizes collaborative care with other healthcare professionals to support comprehensive patient well-being. All communication and care are provided in English, with a dedication to enhancing the quality of life of his patients in Calgary.

Dr. William Turk provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of eye conditions, including:

Refractive Errors and Vision Correction

Dr. Turk addresses includes prescription of eyeglasses and contact lenses, as well as assessment for refractive surgery options.

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops in childhood and can progress through adolescence.
• Astigmatism: Corrected with glasses, toric contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
• Presbyopia: A natural part of the aging process of the eye.

Cataracts and Lens Disorders

Dr. Turk addresses conditions related to the clouding of the eye's natural lens (cataract) or other lens abnormalities.

• Age-Related Cataracts: Surgical removal and lens implant is a highly effective treatment.
• Dislocated Intraocular Lens (IOL) or Natural Lens: Malposition of an implanted artificial lens or the eye's natural lens, often due to trauma or zonular weakness.
• Congenital or Pediatric Cataracts: Often associated with other systemic conditions or genetic factors.

Glaucoma Management

Dr. Turk addresses early detection and lifelong management are crucial to preserving sight.

• Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Regular eye exams are key for early detection.
• Angle-Closure Glaucoma (Acute or Chronic): A type of glaucoma where the drainage angle of the eye becomes blocked, leading to a sudden (acute) or gradual (chronic) rise in eye pressure.
• Congenital or Childhood Glaucoma: A rare form of glaucoma occurring in infants and young children due to abnormal development of the eye's drainage system.

This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health, a consultation with Dr. William Turk is necessary.

• Comprehensive Adult and Pediatric Eye Examinations: Thorough assessment of vision, eye health, and screening for common eye diseases in patients of all ages.
• Medical Management of Glaucoma (Prescription Eye Drops): Regular follow-up to assess treatment efficacy and side effects.
• Cataract Evaluation and Surgical Management: Discussion of IOL options (monofocal, toric, multifocal, extended depth of focus) to meet individual visual needs.
• Laser Treatments for Glaucoma (SLT, LPI, Cyclophotocoagulation): Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) to improve fluid drainage in open-angle glaucoma.
• Emergency Eye Care Services: Urgent evaluation and treatment for acute eye injuries, sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or infections.
• Vision Testing and Prescription for Eyeglasses & Contact Lenses: Prescription and fitting of corrective lenses, including specialized contact lenses.

Note: This list provides an overview. Specific treatments are determined after a thorough eye examination and consultation with Dr. Turk.

All ophthalmology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. A referral from a physician or optometrist may be required for consultation.

Dr. Turk practices at a specialized eye clinic located in Calgary's SW neighborhoods, including Haysboro, Kingsland, and Kelvin Grove. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Scotiabank Saddledome, easily accessible via Calgary Transit, including CTrain LRT, bus, and BRT routes. The facility is designed to be accessible and comfortable for all patients, providing a welcoming environment for comprehensive eye care. Patients typically find parking options nearby, ensuring easy access to appointments. This prime location allows Dr. Turk to serve the Calgary community with convenient, high-quality ophthalmologic services.

How does Dr. Turk treat glaucoma?

For glaucoma, Dr. Turk will develop a personalized treatment plan which can involve daily eye drop medications to reduce eye pressure, in-office laser treatments to improve fluid drainage, or surgical interventions if medications and lasers are insufficient to control the pressure and protect your vision.

What does an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Turk specialize in?

An Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Turk, is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) who specializes in comprehensive eye and vision care. This includes medical diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of eye diseases and disorders, as well as prescribing eyeglasses and contact lenses. Dr. Turk provides comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

What are some common eye conditions treated by Dr. Turk?

Dr. Turk treats a wide array of eye conditions. Common ones include refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and eyelid disorders. Depending on any subspecialty training, he may also manage more complex retinal, corneal, or neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Providing comprehensive medical and surgical eye care, including the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of eye diseases and vision problems.

Does Dr. Turk perform cataract surgery?

Most Ophthalmologists, including Dr. Turk, are highly experienced in performing cataract surgery. This outpatient procedure is very effective in improving vision affected by cataracts. Dr. Turk would assess the severity of your cataracts and determine if surgery is the best course of action for you.

What is the difference between an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Turk and an Optometrist?

The key difference is that an Ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Turk, is a physician and surgeon specializing in eye care, able to provide the full spectrum of medical and surgical treatments for eye diseases. Optometrists are primary eye care providers who conduct eye exams, prescribe glasses and contacts, and can diagnose and manage many eye conditions with medications or refer to an ophthalmologist for more complex issues or surgery. Both play vital roles in eye health.

Are services from Dr. Turk covered by provincial health insurance?

Medically necessary services provided by an Ophthalmologist like Dr. Turk, such as the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy) and medically indicated surgeries (e.g., cataract surgery), are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). However, routine eye exams for adults of certain age groups without specific medical conditions, and procedures considered cosmetic (like elective refractive surgery or some eyelid procedures) are typically not covered. It's advisable to confirm coverage details with Dr. Turk's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Medically necessary eye exams and treatments for eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts are typically covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (A H C I P). Routine eye exams for glasses/contacts for adults (usually ages 19-64) may not be covered unless a specific medical condition affecting the eyes is present. Elective procedures such as cosmetic eyelid surgery or refractive laser surgery (LASIK/PRK) are generally not covered. It is recommended to verify coverage specifics with Dr. Turk's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

a specialized eye clinic in Calgary
108-1201 Glenmore Trail SW
Calgary, AB T2V 4Y8

Office Phone: (403) 234-6023

Dr. Turk is a licensed Ophthalmologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in AB. A referral from a family physician or optometrist may be required for a consultation with Dr. Turk, particularly for services covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

Verify Dr. Turk's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=99b5dc7a-df64-494a-9629-58a9d7945d83&i=1467